**Headline: Prince George Turns 12: A Milestone Birthday Marked by Change and Royal Responsibility**

As Prince George celebrates his 12th birthday today, the young royal stands at a pivotal crossroads that promises both excitement and challenge. With this milestone, he inches closer to adolescence, a time when the world expands in ways both thrilling and daunting. Royal author Duncan Larkham reflects on the significance of this age, noting that “12 is quite a poignant birthday,” as children begin to transition from playful innocence to the complexities of teenage life.

This year has already been particularly emotional for George, with both his grandfather and mother grappling with serious health issues. As he revels in summer holidays with siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, the reality of returning to school next September looms large. The decision regarding his secondary education has likely been made, with Eton College, the alma mater of his father, Prince William, as a strong contender. However, the all-boys environment poses a challenge for the family’s vision of unity, as it would exclude Charlotte.

The alternative? Marlborough College, the co-educational institution where Princess Catherine flourished. This option not only aligns with a more modern approach to royal education but also keeps the siblings together, promoting a sense of continuity amid impending changes. As George prepares to step into this new phase, the emotional weight of such decisions is palpable for his parents, who are keenly aware of the bittersweet nature of watching their eldest grow up.

While most 12-year-olds dream of careers in ballet or aviation, George’s path is distinctly royal. He has already begun to embrace his future responsibilities, attending high-profile events and engaging with veterans at a recent Buckingham Palace tea party.

His eagerness to learn about royal duties signals a readiness that belies his age, suggesting that Prince George is not just a boy on the brink of adolescence but a young heir poised to navigate the challenges of a life steeped in tradition and duty. With each passing day, the world watches as he embarks on this remarkable journey, embodying the hopes and aspirations of a modern monarchy.